FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots have claimed second-year offensive lineman Chris Martin on waivers from the Miami Dolphins. Martin's agent, Brett Tessler, first noted the news.
Just got word that the New England Patriots claimed Chris Martin off waivers... 2nd year OT/G was released by the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
— Brett Tessler (@TesslerSports) August 18, 2015The NFL's official transaction wire reflects the Patriots' claim of Martin.
Martin, who is 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds, has had two prior stints with the Patriots. He first signed with the team on June 23, 2014, spent training camp with the club, then was released Aug. 30, 2014 and subsequently signed to the practice squad. He was released from the practice squad Sept. 26, before spending another week on the practice squad in October of that year.
That the Patriots put in a claim on Martin is not a surprise, as it was noted Sunday (point No. 5) that club officials have been exploring options around the NFL via trade at the position. With starting left tackle Nate Solder and swing tackle Marcus Cannon just returning to the field from injury absences, and starting right tackle Sebastian Vollmer still being worked back to full strength after offseason shoulder surgery, the depth had been thinned for games. That left second-year man Chris Barker, who is more of a guard, to play the entire preseason opener at left tackle.
Now Martin, assuming he passes a physical, can help ease some of that burden. From a big-picture perspective, he is a longshot to earn a roster spot.
In a related roster note, the Patriots announced the release of linebacker L.J. Fort and tight end Logan Stokes. Neither was expected to stick on the final 53-man roster.